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Greetings!
September! Does the summer seem to fly by faster and faster as the years go by? We're in the season of too many zucchini to count (are they mysteriously appearing in your car after Church on Sunday, too?), trying to plan our errands around the school schedules so we don't get stuck behind a school bus, and getting ready to start thinking about packing the RV for that trip south. It's also the season for the annual SOWER Board of Trustee meeting at the home office in Lindale, TX. This year we'll be saying good-bye to Dennis Crandell who has served faithfully these last three years on both the membership and conflict resolution committees. We'll also be saying good-bye to long-time Board member Nancy Franges, who has not only been on the Board for seven years, but also served as Vice President for four years and most recently as President. Both of these dedicated workers will be missed, and we thank them for jobs well done! But the Lord has brought two new members to the Board - Cliff Stone and John Jones - and we welcome them with open arms! We covet your prayers as we meet together to pray and discuss the various issues that come before the Board each year. Please pray with us that we will be gifted with wisdom and grace as we strive to keep the SOWER ministry on track and that ALL we do will be to His Honor and Glory!
Resting in His Grace,
Stephanie Conrad, #2509
for the Board of Trustees
SOWER Ministry
stephanie@rvthereyet.org
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Our Number was "210"....
This happened way back in 1989. My husband Don (deceased 9 years now) and I were traveling with our trailer, fulfilling a dream of what we would do when we retired. It was March, 1989 and we were ending our 8 months of traveling at a campground in Arizona, just south of Phoenix. We attended a gathering in the clubhouse and met a SOWER. When he told us what he was doing, we were really curious. We had always been faithful "church members", but not really walking with the Lord. Prior to this meeting, in the beginning of our trip, God must have been preparing us for this when we attended a campground "rally" put on by Campers for Christ. Both of us were so inspired by this, we became much more "attentive" to God's plan for us and actually discussed how we were going to be more dedicated to the Lord after we finished this trip. So, our eyes and ears were really open to Howard Zimdahl, the SOWER[#63!]. When we got back to Minnesota, we did some research on similar ministries as we were hesitant about our "qualifying" for this "non-denominational" membership. We did know that Howard was Lutheran, which we were at that time, so we were convinced that it was "ok". After asking for God's guidance and convincing our grown children that we were doing the "right thing", we signed up for Islamorada for January, 1990. At that time, the SOWER office was still in Tennessee, so we even got to meet the folks there and help with the Newsletter. We were really excited to get started. They also had us sign up for the "Florida reunion" in Leesburg! We really enjoyed the first project!
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At Leesburg, they encouraged us to go to another project at Lake Wales, where help was needed. What a blessing from God and how amazing was His plan!!! Our number was "210", so we worked with the same people several times and continued in this great ministry for six years. At that time, my dear Husband was diagnosed with Leukemia, and could no longer work. We did winter in Texas and were able to still connect and help a little at Pharr at Grace Community Church before it was "back home" for good. But, really I thank the Lord that we were able to be a part of such a great ministry, probably the very best years of our lives! Even at this age, I am excited about being able to attend the Minnesota reunion in September, God willing. God Bless All of you. Keep up the good work and cherish every moment of it!
Alyce Leshovsky #210
[Sadly, Alyce was not able to get to the reunion due to some health issues!]
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Upcoming Reunion Information
Whether you're a Seasoned Sower or New to the Family, there's nothing like a Sower Reunion to connect with friends old and new and get recharged about the ministry. Check out these opportunities - and mark you calendars!
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MIDWEST MICHIGAN 2012 REUNION
MICHINDOH # MI-139 4545 E. Bacon Rd., Hillsdale, Mi. 49242 Monday, Sept. 17 thru Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012
UPDATE!
We are looking forward to having a great reconnection time together with special emphasis on welcoming new comers and first timers. Right now we have fifty couples, or 100 people signed up. We still have a few sites open, however all cabins and lodge rooms are full. If anyone wants to just drop in, we will have our lights on and they will be welcome!
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Central Minnesota Reunion
Sept 18 -- 20, 2012
at Lake Beauty Bible Camp located between Long Prairie and Little Falls, MN.
It's just days away! The reservations are closed, but if you'd like to stop in for the day, please do! We'd love to have you!
Questions?
Contact Larry/Dorothy Larson 651-636-8049 ldlarson@juno.com
or Corny/Judy Groth 612-834-1259 judycornygroth@gmail.com
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It's all about POWER!
While on a SOWER project recently, we awoke with a power surge and a ground fault plug blown out, filling the RV with smoke. The ground neutral at the incoming 50amp plug had dropped out for some unknown reason. We lost power on one side of the RV and the house batteries began to lose charge. SPS of Orlando, FL sent us a service technician that knew his stuff. He even trained us as he repaired and suggested that everyone in the SOWERS ministry have a surge guard that protects from surge spikes running through our rigs. The cost of a protector is far less than the repair besides the time it takes us away from Serving the Lord on a project. A lot of our trips for service can be a nightmare, but God prepared the way with a technician who was hurting from the loss of his wife and had gotten away from the Lord. We were able to share, witness, and get training along with the repair in a short time. We left with good feelings, praising the Lord for a smooth repair and an opportunity to minister. It was amazing how concerned this tech was for all of you fellow SOWERS whom he had never met and he wanted to get this surge protection information to you so that you can serve the Lord and never be up against the damage to your rig. God leads us to places and His people when we do not have a clue what is happening.
John and Sheryl Jones #2813
[Editors Note: There are lots of options for Surge Guards and lots of places to buy them. Here's a little " Buyer's Guide" for them that I found on line, and of course, there's always Camping World! We've found a great supplier of all things RV - REVELS RV Center in Starke, FL. He doesn't have a website, but he loves SOWERS and always gives us a better-than-anyplace-else price! Call him at 800-473-8357 for a catalog or just some good ol' southern helpfulness!) |
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Dear Sam and Sally SOWER......
Dear Sam and Sally,
Each project has what we might call "problems", but I sometimes wonder if these problems belong to us or the project. The "problems" we had with a recent project was there was no list of work needed to be done. We arrived Thursday afternoon, met with the new camp director and was advised that we would meet with the maintenance staff on Monday for work assignments. We met on Monday, but still no list for work. I wonder if some of the projects or some SOWERs believe that all work needs to be expensive work. It doesn't have to be. I ended up doing a lot of what I was told was "busy work", i.e. edging, weed eating, sharpening shovels and garden hoes, etc., but it was work that I believe enhanced the look of the camp and once this work was completed others also thought the place looked better. By the end of the first week there was a project I could help the maintenance crew finish and by the third week they found something for my wife and I could work on and complete.
I guess my main point is that SOWERs , as well as the projects, need to realize that we (SOWERs) come to offer our help. Whether it's building a new shed or cleaning out the old one, we're there to serve the project in whatever way we can.
Thanks for letting me sound off!
Dear Sounding off -
Wow - you've hit the nail on the head with one of the biggest frustrations facing SOWERS! No 'Job List'. It's true that many projects hesitate giving out those "busy work" tasks because they truly value the skills that SOWERs bring with them and want to use them to the fullest. And let's be honest, most SOWERs (guys especially) love working on a project where they can see a beginning, a middle and an end (like a new shed!). Organizing supplies and tidying up the landscaping isn't really high on many folks' list. But as you point out, one of the distinctives of the SOWER Ministry is that we are willing to do the job at hand, whether it's big or small. As projects see the willing spirit that most SOWERs have, I believe that they will be more ready with a "job list" of even the small things, so SOWERs can get to work and made a difference in the Kingdom!
Thank you for your encouraging comments!
Sam and Sally
Sam and Sally would love to hear from you if you have any questions about the SOWER Guidelines or SOWER etiquette. Contact them at samandsally@sowerministry.org.
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Recently seen on the SOWER Facebook Page - Today we made it back home to WA from our two AK projects. Stopped to visit the Ness Lake project north of Prince George (BC-434). Remember their gym burned down on New Years Eve? The new gym is up and the restrooms almost finished. The rest of the inside needs finishing including a climbing wall. It is an amazing story of God's provision, even using donations from unsaved people in the community who have a heart to help the camp. A beautiful camp to consider helping out on the way to or from AK. Gary and Pat Smith (#770) [The Smiths also celebrated working their 100th project while working at Camp Li-Wa in Fairbanks, AK! Well done, good and faithful servants!]  Have you stopped by lately? Make sure you've "checked" the box to receive notifications, and feel free to post pictures and stories from YOUR projects!
And if you're a member of Facebook, but haven't joined the SOWER Group, click on the icon to join the family! |
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Time for a change?
Whether you have an RV to sell or are looking for a new-to-you one, don't forget to check out the RV for Sale listing on the Members Page! Send an email to
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Contributors Needed!
A big thank-you to those who have sent in stories for the newsletter! But we still need more! How about you? Do you have a SOWER related God-Story to share? Have you been changed as a result of working at a project and would like to share your testimony? Maybe you know of a special need at a project that doesn't get much help. We're looking for ideas and articles for upcoming issues.
Love taking pictures?
Do you have a photograph that might work as a "header" for this monthly newsletter? (It will be cropped to 600x125 pixels) Or maybe a favorite group shot that could be included?
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NEW PROJECT
Eunice, LA
LA-508
Located in Southern Louisiana, just 20 miles north of I-10, Acadian Baptist Center is ready and waiting for some SOWER help!
Acadian Baptist Center exists for the purpose of providing a place where the associations, churches, and agencies of the Southern Baptist Convention can empower kingdom growth by doing evangelism and discipleship in the name of Jesus Christ. They are also open to Christian denominational groups, non-profit groups, and others whose purpose and objectives are compatible with those of Acadian Baptist Center. Along with many different summer camps and day camps, they also host retreats and conferences year around and run an Outdoor Education program. Like so many of our camp projects there is ALWAYS work for Sowers!
They are open for SOWERS starting in October, 2012 through June, 2013 and have 3 spots open each month. Check out the latest PLS for all the sign-up details!
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Click on the Wildflower to get to the Members Only Page and the most recent PLS.
There are still lots of openings at our "Sun Belt" projects. Check out ALL the opportunities for service today!
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Just the Facts
for September 2012
Number of Active SOWERS*
630
Number of ALUMNI SOWERS*
130
Number of SOWER projects requesting SOWER Assistance
116
Number of SOWER projects receiving SOWER Assistance
44
Number of SOWERS* requested (Including SOAs)
537
Number of SOWERS* working (Including SOAs)
100
*Number of SOWERS always refers to a SOWER "Unit" - whether a couple or a single, not individual SOWERS.
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Well......
Have you sent it in yet? If not, do you know where it is? Don't forget, if you choose not to send in this annual registration, you will not get it again next year. If you feel you'll be taking 2013 "off" from doing SOWER projects, just change your status to "ALUMNI" on the registration form. That way you'll still be in the roster and "on the rolls" and you'll continue to receive communications from the office. If your circumstances change and you want to become "ACTIVE" again, just call the office to update your information.
[Oh, and if you can't find the original, feel free to download one from the Members' Page!)
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SOWER Blog Roll
See what other SOWERS are doing around the country!
Sower Adventures
Bill and Carol Cairns
Roger's SOWER Blog
Roger & Nola Sorenson
Soltesweb.net
Ed & Patty Soltes
On a Wheel and a Prayer
Don & Jenny Rasmussen
Bob and Billie on the Road
Bob & Billie Wakeman
RV There Yet -
Gary & Stephanie Conrad
Do YOU have a Blog you'd like to share? Send me the link, and we'll add it to the "Blog Roll".
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Have a question or concern for the Board?
If you'd like to contact all the Board of Trustee members at once -
Send an email addressed to the SOWER office with " For the Trustees" in the subject line. Presto - the office staff will immediatly get it on its way to the entire Board. Of course, you are welcome to contact any member of the Board indivudually by phone or email using the information in the roster.
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You're more than a number to us, but ANYTIME you communicate with the office (or a trustee) - either by email or snail mail or voice mail, PLEASE include your full name and your SOWER number. This is especially important if you are requesting a project or making any changes to your personal information. Thanks!
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Don't forget to check out the link on the Members Only page get a "real earth" feel for where a project is located. But as always, use the directions in the Gram to get there with your rig!
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Looking for a past issue of the
e-Newsletter?
Check out the ARCHIVE of every issue of this e-Newsletter
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FREE brochures and business cards are available from the office!
Check out ALL the SOWER Merchandise available - On the Member Page or use the newly
revised form at the back of the Sowergram!
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